Laura Bush criticises Burma's cyclone warning

US First Lady Laura Bush says Burma's leaders did not provide adequate warning of Cyclone Nagris.

In a strongly worded attack, Mrs Bush said many Burmese only learned of the approaching cyclone from foreign media outlets.

"Although they were aware of the threat, Burma's state-run media failed to issue a timely warning to citizens in the storm's path," she said.

"The response to the cyclone is just the most recent example of the junta's failure to meet its people's basic needs."

The US is providing $250,000 in financial aid, but says Burma's military leaders are refusing to accept its offer of a disaster relief team.

Mrs Bush says the US is becoming increasingly frustrated and impatient with Burma's leaders.

"If they don't accept aid from the United States and from all the rest of the international community that want to help the people of Burma, it's just another way that the military regime looks so cut off and so unaware of what the real needs of their people are," she said.